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Shannon M. Henderson
s_henderson
Position: Partner
Practice Group: Labor & Employment, Commercial Litigation
Bar Admissions: Colorado, California
Education: University of California at Davis, J.D., 1997
University of Wyoming, B.S., 1994
Telephone: 720-904-6000
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Practice Overview

Ms. Henderson's civil litigation practice focuses primarily on representing companies and management in employment law matters.  She has represented employers in state and federal courts, administrative hearings, labor arbitrations and before the EEOC and CCRD in matters involving Title VII, the ADA, the ADEA, the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act, California's Fair Employment and Housing Act, the FMLA, wrongful termination in violation of public policy, the FLSA, the Colorado Wage Act, the Colorado Lawful Off-Duty Conduct statute, disputes regarding employee severance, disputes regarding commissions under the California Labor Code, OSHA and disputes before the California Labor Commissioner.  Shannon also counsels clients in all areas of employment law, including terminations and reductions-in-force, executive contracts, wage and hour issues, and employee discipline issues, and she is frequently called upon to conduct in-house training for firm clients.

Prior to becoming a partner of Friesen Lamb, LLP, Shannon was a partner with Hale Friesen, LLP (2002-2010) and an attorney with Jory, Peterson, Watkins & Smith in Fresno, California (1997-2002).

Representative Cases

  • Obtained defense verdict and award of over $750,000 on cross-complaint for overpayment of commissions in class action case involving recovery of unearned commissions for sales associates employed by web hosting company, following two-week trial. Koehl v. Verio, 142 Cal.App.4th 1313, 48 Cal.Rptr.3d 749 (2006).
  • Defended national retail jeweler against claims of national origin and age discrimination, ultimately obtaining summary judgment and dismissal of all claims. Bardales v. Western Stone and Metal, 2007 WL 1087096 (D. Colo., April 10, 2007).
  • Defended national home improvement retailer against multiple employment claims, including national origin discrimination, racial harassment, retaliation, age discrimination, breach of contract, breach of implied contract, promissory estoppel, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Obtained summary judgment and dismissal of all claims. Faizi v. Expo Design Center, 2006 WL 456264 (D. Colo., February 23, 2006).
  • Represented national home improvement retailer in actions involving allegations of age and race discrimination, respectively, obtaining summary judgment and dismissal of claims. Lanfear v. Home Depot USA, Inc., 2006 WL 2406244 (D. Colo., August 18, 2006) (complete summary judgment and dismissal); White v. Home Depot USA, Inc., WL 2226198 (D. Colo., August 3, 2006) (partial summary judgment).
  • Achieved favorable settlement of multi-party commercial litigation involving defense of flooring importer against claims of breach of warranty.
  • Represented Fortune 500 network systems corporation in litigation involving employee's re-employment rights following return from overseas placement. Obtained summary judgment by United States District Court; matter currently on appeal.
  • Obtained favorable settlement of age discrimination litigation brought against Fortune 500 company following termination of project manager in large reduction-in-force.
  • Defended medical equipment manufacturer against 13-plaintiff age discrimination case, achieving favorable settlement.

Recent Speeches and Publications

  • Employment Law in Up and Down Economies.  Understanding the legal risks when considering acquisitions, RIFs, reorganizations, furloughs, and rehires.  (2009)
  • Family Responsibilities Discrimination:  The New Frontier in Employment Cases.  (2008)
  • Managing Your Difficult Managers:  How Harsh Managers (and Lenient Managers) Put Your Company at Risk.  (2006)
  • EEOC Investigations:  Understanding the process and using it to your company's advantage.  (2005)
  • The "Whistleblower," the "Ringleader," the "Complainer," and Other High-Risk Employee Personalities.  How to spot a toxic employee in your midst, and what you can do about it.  (2004)
  • Sex Harassment as Never Before:  Does sexual harassment have to be sexual?  Is the company legally required to investigate?  Does giving someone the "cold shoulder" qualify as harassment?  How severe or pervasive does the behavior have to be?  Important new cases address these difficult questions.  (2003)
  • Employee Leave, and Don't Come Back:  How to fire employees for taking "leave" or while on leave.  Despite the FMLA, ADA, PDA, and WCA, believe it or not, you can still fire employees who don't show up for work. (2002)

Community Involvement and Personal Interests

Shannon supports many diabetes-related charities and is a Member of the Guild supporting the Children's Diabetes Foundation.  She is a member of the Colorado Human Resources Association and was formerly Treasurer and a board member of the Fresno County Young Lawyers Association.  Shannon enjoys living in the mountains in Evergreen, Colorado, and spending time with her two young sons.